Finding out who put up your council tax? Good luck with that

Paul Osborn is Executive Director of Conservative Way Forward. Follow Paul on Twitter.

Having just put the finishing touches on Conservative Way Forward’s startling new report on local government, I am still shocked at the implications. I know that many people out there don’t know who their local councillor is, or even what authority they come under. I also know that lots of people aren’t interested in local politics, believing it makes no difference who is in charge.

When we buy a new phone, or a new television, we want to know exactly what we are buying, what the best price is and how it has been reviewed by consumer magazines and by other buyers. The internet makes this easier today than it has ever been. You can scan in a barcode and get the cheapest price and latest reviews without even leaving the shop or you can get all the information and order from your armchair.